MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 16, 2017 /3BL Media/ — FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), and the world’s largest express transportation company, joined St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® today to honor St. Jude patient, Calvin, the son of a FedEx team member, by emblazoning his name on a FedEx Cessna Caravan airplane. For the sixth consecutive year, the Purple Eagle ceremony took place near the driving range at TPC Southwind, home of the 60th Annual FedEx St. Jude Classic.

Calvin, the son of Fahm Saechin, a production operator at FedEx Office in Newark, Calif., joined the ceremony to unveil his name on the aircraft. The cargo plane, which also features the iconic St. Jude logo, will be on display throughout the tournament. Calvin’s name will travel along the West Coast of the United States as a permanent fixture on the FedEx Cessna Caravan at the conclusion of the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

The goal of the Purple Eagle program is to spotlight the important work being done by St. Jude and, in particular, to celebrate a current patient, who happens to be the son or daughter of a FedEx employee.

“I always look forward to the Purple Eagle dedication because it continues to let us showcase St. Jude’s lifesaving mission of finding cures and saving children,” said Bill West, Jr., vice president of Supplemental Air Operations for FedEx Express. “Calvin’s story is truly inspiring, and FedEx Express is honored to fly the Purple Eagle in his name.”

Calvin, a happy, outgoing 10-year-old will be entering fifth grade this fall. He likes reading books, playing kickball and cheering on the Golden State Warriors and Oakland Raiders. One of his favorite things to do is help take care of his 90-year-old grandmother.

Last July, Calvin developed a mass on his brain and underwent two surgeries in California, after which his family traveled to St. Jude for continuing treatment. At St. Jude, Calvin underwent two additional surgeries to help relieve pressure on his brain. He then received six weeks of proton therapy, which focuses radiation on cancer cells while avoiding damage to healthy tissue.

Calvin finished treatment in December 2016, and was able to travel home to California in time to celebrate the holidays with his family. He now visits St. Jude every three months for checkups and is always excited to come back.

“We are incredibly grateful to FedEx for providing this special opportunity to honor Calvin and all of the former Purple Eagle recipients who have bravely battled cancer and other life-threatening diseases,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “Since the inception of the golf tournament FedEx, its leadership, employees and customers have passionately embraced the St. Jude mission and continue to help us raise the essential funds and awareness needed to find cures for some of the world’s sickest children.”

FedEx first became the title sponsor of the FedEx St. Jude Classic in 1986. The tournament has raised more than $35 million for St. Jude since 1970, when the hospital became the sole beneficiary. Because of dedicated supporters like FedEx, families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

In 2007, FedEx aligned with the PGA TOUR to introduce the FedExCup, an exciting season-long points competition that culminates with the PGA TOUR’s first-ever playoff system, which crowns the FedExCup champion . In addition to being a fixture on golf’s global calendar from a competitive standpoint, the FedExCup has been an effective way for FedEx to reach its customers and engage in the community and has allowed the company to support national and local charities, such as St. Jude, in a hands-on manner.

About FedEx Express

FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $58 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org or following St. Jude on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.

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